A teacher who has taught at the same school for nearly half a century was surprised by pupils and staff to mark his 70th birthday.

Keith Lester took his first job at Lee Chapel Primary School, in The Knares, Basildon, in 1967 and has worked there ever since.

The popular teacher, hailed as an inspirational presence by colleagues, was presented with a cake and balloons to mark the day.

Mr Lester retired from fulltime teaching aged 58, but has remained at the school supplyteaching for one day per week.

He said: “When I started in 1967, the headteacher was a man named Mr Bell, and we have only had two others since then. I actually retired in 2002, but came back to do one day a week because I enjoy it so much.”

Mr Lester, who is originally from Corringham and now lives in Basildon, came to Lee Chapel after completing his teacher training in Leeds.

He said: “Teaching was always what I wanted to do. I tried for a few deputy head positions, which I didn’t get for whatever reason, but, in the end, I settled down because I was happy living and working where I was.”

Semi-retirement has allowed him to follow his sporting interests – he is a Leeds United fan and a member of Essex County Cricket Club.

A lifelong bachelor, Mr Lester tied the knot for the first time in September, at the age of 69, when he married Jane.

He said: “Everything has happened all at once for me, as my eldest stepdaughter is also getting married in October.”

Mr Lester admitted he was not expecting to celebrate his birthday in front of the whole school.

He said: “When I retired, I knew about it and wasn’t nervous, but this time was a surprise and it was a bit emotional in front of the school I love.”

Headteacher Sue Jackson said: “He is absolutely brilliant and his commitment to this community and the children is superb.

“That passion for reading and writing is inspiring and he really helps to inspire the boys at the school. This is a very happy school and staff tend to come here and stay here.”